10 Ways to Reset My Day

Sometimes, I just start yelling. I know. I shouldn't. 

Sometimes, I exert appropriate self-control, but I'm still awfully grumpy.

This picture doesn't do justice to the depth of that book pile.

Sometimes, people in my house are at each other's throats for no particular reason. 

Sometimes, we need a reset. Here are some things I can do: 

1) Pray. That's probably a more helpful thing to recommend. I've found God can quickly give me perspective that I need. Even if it's just "Remember that I love them." I will sometimes remember a helpful Bible verse that gives me just the strength to continue also. "Let us not grow weary in doing good; for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up..."

2) Turn on some music that I love. Try not to hear anyone else as they complain about it. Sing loud. I prefer Rich Mullins, because I already know all the words, and they speak good things to my heart.

3) Act like it is a big secret, and invite my people to join me in munching a cookie in the closet. Or chocolate chips. Or a carrot. I suppose that would be better long-term, but clearly less effective.

4) Stop everything and go outside together. Get dirty. Then go to #7. 

5) Stop everything and snuggle. When the people start fighting over which piece of me they should be on or next to, that can be exasperating. But occasionally, this works. I include it because when it does work, it's really sweet and beautiful.  

6) Stop everything and read aloud. The same caveat applies to this as to #5. 

7) Give a person or two a bath. 

8) Tickle someone. 

9) If I am feeling ambitious, grab any handy food and eat it outside. Now I am having a picnic, and I am winning at life. I might even have my people come out, too. ;)

10) Find a friend and flee to her. To me, scrapping the original plan in favor or sitting and chatting with someone is a great fix.